Tuesday, July 14, 2026

MLB TV Off to Record Start

  • Baseball is back and the league’s streaming service, MLB TV, has knocked it out of the park.
  • More than 1.34 billion minutes of live games have been watched on the platform.
Major League Baseball TV start season fast in 2021.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Major League Baseball is back in full swing — and its official streaming service MLB TV is knocking it out of the park

Thanks to a season start with lots of no-hitters and games that feel like October, MLB TV is experiencing significant audience growth. 

More than 1.34 billion minutes of live games were watched on MLB TV from Opening Day through April 18, a 12% uptick from the same period last season and 43% compared to 2019, according to Major League Baseball.

Total games watched on MLB TV is up 22% compared to last season and 35% compared to 2019.

An extra-innings game between the Blue Jays and Yankees on Opening Day ended up being the most-watched game in MLB TV history. 

ESPN is also reaping the benefits. Through the first two weeks of the season, the network’s weekly “Sunday Night Baseball” broadcast experienced a 33% increase in viewership compared to the 2020 full-season average. 

Perhaps best of all? Fans are back in the stands. 

Through the first three weekends, more than 2.2 million fans made a trip to the ballpark.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

John Smoltz acknowledges the crowd during the introduction of returning inductees at the National Baseball Hall of Fame's 2024 induction ceremony Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, New York.

John Smoltz: MLB All-Star Game Is ‘Absolutely’ Still the Best

The Hall of Fame pitcher will call the Midsummer Classic for Fox.
Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider speaks at the conference before the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park.

All-Star Game Participation Is Sticking Point for Managers

Prominent player absences have helped define this year’s event.

Jordan Walker Edges Out Kyle Schwarber in Home Run Derby

The new-look event featured an altered format and new broadcaster.

MLB All-Star Break: League Growth Shines, Labor Fight Looms

Rising labor tensions are clouding the league’s significant gains elsewhere.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/14/26 – World Cup Semis, Michigan AD Probe, FanDuel VIP Scandal

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
Apr 16, 2026; Fort Worth, TX, USA; A view of the ESPN logo before the semifinals for the 2026 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics National Championships at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

ESPN Blames Human For Headline Error in AI Article

ESPN has been using AI to write certain game recaps since 2024.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN logo at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive
July 13, 2026

ESPN Ending Syndicated Version of ‘Good Morning Football’

‘GMFB: Overtime’ first launched in 2024.
July 13, 2026

12 States Sue to Block Paramount’s $110B WBD Deal

The plaintiff states point to widespread prospective harms.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
June 25, 2026; Inglewood, California, U.S.; Christian Pulisic of the U.S. during the warm up before the match. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
July 13, 2026

Christian Pulisic World Cup Fiasco a Cautionary Tale for Marketers

Commercials featuring Pulisic have been a reminder of his World Cup showing.
July 12, 2026

Netflix Revamps MLB Home Run Derby

The streaming giant will have arguably its biggest baseball presence to date.
Jan 7, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; PAC 12 sports broadcaster Jacob Tobey prior to the game between the Oregon State Beavers against the Colorado Buffaloes at CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Exclusive
July 9, 2026

Jacob Tobey Out as Spurs Announcer After Affair Allegation

Tobey had been calling Spurs games since 2024.
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Adam Schefter talks on a set before the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Exclusive
July 9, 2026

Adam Schefter Nearing Long-Term ESPN Extension

The agreement would keep Schefter under contract into the 2030s.